NHL fan nails center ice shot: His celebration steals the show
· Yahoo Sports
One NHL fan turned a preseason contest into an unforgettable moment Saturday night when he nailed an incredible center-ice shot and then delivered a celebration to match.
During the Minnesota Wild’s preseason opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, a fan named Colin was selected from the stands to participate in the team’s Shoot for Seasons contest at Grand Casino Arena.
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The prize? Season tickets.
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Colin beats the odds at center ice
Apr 22, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The challenge was anything but easy. Most of the net was covered by a green board, leaving Colin with only a tiny opening that was barely wider than the puck. Wearing a green Joel Eriksson Ek sweater, jeans and sneakers, Colin stepped onto the ice and somehow threaded his shot through the narrow opening.
The arena erupted as the puck found its way through, securing Colin his prize and making him the newest Wild season-ticket holder.
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The celebration stole the show
While the shot itself was impressive, Colin’s celebration may have been the moment fans remember most.
Immediately after scoring, Colin took off down the ice before jumping into the corner glass. He then wheeled back toward center ice, screaming in triumph as he celebrated his improbable victory.
The performance quickly caught the attention of Wild fans, with some joking that Minnesota should offer Colin a professional tryout, or PTO, ahead of the upcoming season.
It was certainly a memorable way to kick off the Wild’s preseason, and Colin now has plenty of reasons to make his way back to Grand Casino Arena throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
The Wild also gave their fans something to celebrate on the ice, defeating the Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime. Minnesota will now turn its attention toward the regular season, which begins Oct. 1 when the Wild travel to Nashville to face the Predators.
Colin may not be joining the team anytime soon, but after that shot and celebration, he certainly looked like he belonged on the ice.
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